RDV O Globe: The boutique loved by Tokyo fashion insiders

The fashion pack just descended on Tokyo for a whirlwind week of shows, but between catwalks and sidewalks finding a place to sit down and take a moment is a must. Enter rdv o globe, part boutique, part restaurant, part club and definitely a fashion favourite.

The brainchild of Shunsuke Maebuchi, a former director/buyer at Japanese chain Ships, rdv o globe (pronounced “rendezvous o globe”) combines a unisex boutique, café-bistro and showroom in a relaxed, inviting space that’s quickly become something of an informal clubhouse for Tokyo’s fashion industry insiders (as well as visiting notables such as DJ Gilles Peterson).

At any one time, an up-and-coming local label might be showing its forthcoming collection, while buyers and brands strike deals over coffee and the affable Maebuchi talks shoppers through his latest designer arrivals from Europe. Pop into this must-visit store on your next trip to Tokyo.

City: Tokyo

Where: rdv o globe, 2-22-1 Higashi, Shibuya-ku / 81 (0)3 6419 7384

What: Shop/Eat & Drink

Three reasons we love it…

1.The eponymous menswear brand and esoteric import labels

The Maebuchi-designed rdv o globe line for men combines his love of Victorian-era British tailoring with detailing borrowed from vintage work and utility wear, to create a contemporary look that perfectly balances the classic with the directional.

Signature pieces include a drop-crotch tapered pant silhouette, which is available as both a five-pocket denim jean and trousers combining inner and outer pleating.

Imported brands meanwhile, mainly from France and Italy, are of the sought-after-but-scarce variety including Paris-based, Brit-designed Casey Casey. As with the house label, in the boutique line-up too, Maebuchi strives to offer a versatile selection that can be coordinated in either classic or modish directions according to the wearer’s mood.

2. The in-house café-bistro An unabashed foodie Maebuchi has given one corner of rdv o globe over to a café (an extensive collection of art, design and fashion-related books is on hand to leisurely browse) that transforms into a reservation-only bistro in the evening. Drawing upon his time spent in France on buying trips for Ships, Maebuchi concocts original dishes based upon Gallic country cooking but also incorporating unexpected ingredients such as wasabi.

3. The frequent exhibitions from emerging brands Finally, as a showroom rdv o globe plays frequent host to trade exhibitions by local labels, with past showings coming from the likes of acclaimed men’s brands Kaptain Sunshine, Kenneth Field and Mojito, and jewellery maker North Works.